Former hockey star now walks police beat

Stephanie O'Sullivan, a former hockey star at Matignon High, Providence College, and for the US women's national team, now works as a Boston police officer. She is also the director of the O'Sullivan Hockey Academy.
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Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan says working in law enforcement is like hockey. "It's a lot like hockey—fast action, quick on your feet to make a decision, use good judgment, always move your feet, and keep your head on a swivel," she said.
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Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan is co-director of the O’Sullivan Hockey Academy along with her brother Chris, a former NHL defenseman and Boston Police officer. "I love these kids," she said. "I love Boston."
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Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O’Sullivan dreamed of being a police officer from the time she was a little girl, but she knew the clock was ticking on playing world-class hockey. "That's what I always wanted to do, but I kept making all these national teams," she said.
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Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O'Sullivan does not dwell on her individual accolades as a hockey player, but is proud of team accomplishments like Providence's four ECAC titles during her time there. "My 16-year-old nephew asks, 'Can I see your rings?' I don't know where they are," she said. "What’s important to me are the banners that are up in the [Providence College] rink. Not rings."
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Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

O’Sullivan, 41, joined the Boston Police in 2010. She petitioned and testified before the Boston City Council to increase the age limit for joining the force from 32 to 40. "I love riding with her," said her Boston Police partner, Jamila Gales. "It's good to have another person you trust with you and that you know will be hands-on with you. I trust her completely."
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